Yanga SC spokesman Ali Kamwe: Kenyans play for money, we play for country

Arnold Ngure 21st August, 2025 07:55 PM

Yanga Sports Club spokesperson Ali Kamwe has continued with his football banter against Kenya, stating that Harambee Stars players are only motivated by cash.

Speaking in Tanzania during a press conference on Thursday, August 21, 2025, Kamwe said that, unlike Kenyans, Tanzanians play for their flag out of patriotism and not monetary compensation.

“Wanasema kuwa wanacheza kwa morale lakini kimsingi ni kwamba Kenya wametengeneza ma robot wa kucheza uwanjani. Wanacheza kwa ajili ya hela; sisi tunacheza kwa ajili ya taifa la Tanzania; hatuchezi kwa ajili ya hela. Tunacheza kwa ajili ya heshima ya taifa letu,” Kamwe said.

(They claim to be self-motivated, yet they are like robots who play well because of the promise of monetary compensation. Our players over here play for the pride of the nation and out of patriotism.)

Stadium capacity

Kamwe equally challenged Kenyan fans about the capacity of the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, which holds 60,000 fans. He mocked the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, as a small stadium that can barely accommodate Tanzanian fans.

Harambee Stars’ Ryan Ogam celebrates after scoring the crucial goal against Zambia. PHOTO/@CAFonline/X

“Hawa wamekuwa wakijivunia kwamba wanajaza uwanja wao lakini kimsingi ukiangalia, ule uwanja haufanani na Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Ukiungalia utasema ni karai ambako wanaingia watu wachache. Watu walioingia uwanja wa Benjamin Mkapa Stadium wakati wa mechi yetu na Madagascar wakienda Kenya, hawatakuwa na mahali pa kukaa,” Kamwe stated.

He also wished that Kenya wins against Madagascar in the quarter final match in Kasarani on Friday, August 22, 2025, so that they clash against Tanzania, which still has a date with destiny with Morocco.

Team to beat

“Wakenya wanasahau kwamba nusu fainali watakuja hapa Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Tunataka wanayoyazungumza huko wayazungumze hapa tukiwa tunaonana. Tutawaonesha Watanzania tukitaka kukutoa kwenye mashindano tunawatoaje,” Kamwe observed.

President William Ruto shares a light moment with Harambee Stars players in the dressing room after their 1-0 CHAN win over DR Congo at Kasarani Stadium on Thursday, August 1, 2025. PHOTO/@williamruto/X

Tanzania finished top of their group with 10 points like Kenya, and are seen as a strong contender for the CHAN 2024 title. Kenya, on the other hand, has exhibited exemplary performance in the competition to edge out bigwigs in the continental tournament.

Buoyed by the promise of millions of shillings and houses, Harambee Stars players have impressed the country with their composure to win games decisively during the competition.

A win against Madagascar on Friday, August 22, 2025, will securely plant Harambee Stars’ feet deep into the semis.